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Roger "RJ" Davis, 51

B.Tuesday, August 14, 1962D.Friday, March 28, 2014

LOVED THE LIFE HE LIVED

RJ Davis, age 51, of North Hudson, died Friday March 28, at his home with his loving wife at his side.

RJ was born Aug. 14, 1962, in Royal Oak, Mich. He is the son of Alice (Gargano) Davis, and Roger Clinton Davis and stepmother Deborah Davis. After attending Southfield Elementary School and Graduating from Sturgis High School in 1981, he played Varsity Baseball for Hope College. In 1985, after finishing his Bachelors of Science Degree, he went on to receive a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science/Hydrogeology in 1987. Having his work published was a fulfilling accomplishment. RJ was highly regarded in his field as a geologist. After graduation, he found himself at Kearney Inc. in Washington, D.C.

Following this, he would move back to the Midwest where he would work for Delta Environmental Consultants, Summit Envirosolutions. Using his vast experience, he started his own business in 1998; Environmental Focus Inc. Roger would travel many Thursdays to Owatonna for Federated Insurance; one of his main clients. These long road trips gave him the opportunity to listen to several hundred books on tape, which he proudly listed in a journal. He truly loved his work and was so blessed to meet many wonderful people who became his good friends for life.

On Dec. 14, 1991, RJ was married to his "True Companion" Laura. A singing proposal on a park bench just 3 months prior was a perfect start to a "Wonderful Life " together. In 1994, the marriage was blessed with a fabulous son Ty, who was the joy of his father's life. Ty is now attending his freshmen year at Valparaiso University in Indiana.

RJ felt it was important to serve his community of North Hudson. He did that as a Village Trustee and Committee member of the N.H. Public Works and Public Welfare, Historic Preservation and the Ad-Hoc Building Committee. RJ was also involved in other organizations; North Hudson parent group, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Phipps Center for the Arts, Pepper Fest, Friends of the Library, and his church Shepherd of the Valley.

The last two years, he was given the opportunity to be an Adjunct Professor at UWRF. He was honored to teach and train these college students. It was a joyful opportunity.

His DI "Destination Imagination" family was a big part of RJ's life. Coaching kids to believe in themselves build teamwork and enjoy their successes and grow as young adults. Creating, exploring, learning, performing believing in themselves, he was blessed over and over. Thank you DI family for your out pouring love and many fundraisers. This fun was always enjoyed with some kind of duct tape.

RJ was a collector of many things. A large collection of childhood toys, baseball cards, coins, Pez to name a few. His most prized collection was his trains. After receiving his mom's train, he somehow acquired many more. A hobby that would lead to a winning display featured in The Train magazine. He was all about creating special moments and memories. Family vacations were apart of that and included trips to Hawaii, Disney, Disney Cruise, D.C. Maine, California, Texas, Arizona, Key West, Michigan, and Colorado to name a few. Trips that we look back with great fondness. RJ was a sports enthusiast both playing and watching. Watching a good Redwing hockey game or the Twins playing the Tigers were all great times.

The family would like to thank the Adoray Hospice Nursing staff for there care and support.

A celebration of life service will be 2 p.m. Saturday April 5, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 14107 Hudson Rd, S. in Afton, MN, with an Ice Cream Social to follow. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, at O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, Wis., as well as one hour prior to the service at Shepherd Saturday afternoon.

In Lieu of flowers memorials to the family preferred.

Arrangements are in the care of the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, (715) 386-3725.